Shopfront Boarding in North West London (NW1–NW26)

A smashed shop window or damaged entrance isn’t just inconvenient — it can stop you trading, invalidate security measures, and invite further break-ins. Our shopfront boarding in North West London is designed to make your premises safe and secure again, using the right materials and fixings for large commercial openings.

If you need urgent help, we can prioritise emergency call-outs across the NW postcodes.

Need emergency shopfront boarding now? Call 020 4634 7794
Prefer email for planned works? info@boarding-up-north-west-london.co.uk

When you might need emergency shopfront boarding

Shopfronts are targeted because they’re visible, glazed, and often on busy routes. In North West London we commonly get calls after:

• Burglary or attempted break-in (crowbar damage around frames, smashed glazing, forced doors) — see burglary repairs
• Vandalism (windows put through, repeated nuisance damage, shutters attacked) — see vandalism repair
• Accidental impact (delivery mishaps, street incidents, vehicle strikes) — see accident damage
• Storm damage (wind-blown debris breaking large panes, loose shopfront panels) — see storm damage
• Fire service entry / post-fire exposure (broken glazing and compromised doors after an incident) — see fire damage

Even if you can “make do” for a few hours, unsecured glazing can quickly become a second incident. Boarding up is often the fastest way to restore a basic level of security while you organise glass replacement or repairs.

For urgent attendance, use our emergency boarding up page to understand what happens next and what information to have ready.

What shopfront boarding actually does (and what it doesn’t)

Shopfront boarding is a physical security and weather-protection measure. We board over broken or vulnerable glazing and openings so the premises can be locked down quickly.

It does:

• Deter opportunistic entry and tampering
• Reduce the chance of further damage overnight
• Help weatherproof an exposed frontage (rain, wind, debris)
• Provide a stable temporary cover while glazing is ordered

It doesn’t:

• Replace glazing or carry out full joinery repairs (we secure first)
• Solve underlying shutter/lock faults (we’ll point them out and document them)
• Act as long-term security on its own for high-risk or void premises (we’ll recommend alternatives where appropriate)

If your premises will be closed for more than a short period, you may be better with a more robust option (see Temporary steel doors and security screens below).

Our approach: secure first, then minimise disruption

Every shopfront is different — aluminium framing, timber surrounds, curtain walling, recessed doors, or mixed panels. Our priority is to secure the opening without creating extra damage.

Typical process:

1. Quick assessment on arrival

   • We check the size of the opening(s), the condition of frames, and any remaining glass hazards.
   • If there are sharp shards or unstable sections, we’ll advise on safe access and working area control.

2. Choose the right boarding method

   • We select material thickness and fixing method based on span, frame condition, and risk level.
   • Where the property is vulnerable to repeat attacks, we favour anti-tamper fixings and methods that can’t be removed from outside.

3. Install boarding and reinstate basic security

   • Boarding is cut to fit with sensible overlap and fixed securely.
   • If doors are compromised, we can board or advise on a temporary door solution.

4. Documentation for your records/insurer

   • We can provide time-stamped photos, a clear work description, and an itemised invoice to support your claim. See insurance claims.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. We won’t quietly “make it work” in a way that creates bigger repair bills later.

Materials we use for shopfront boarding (and why)

Commercial openings are typically larger than residential windows, so material choice matters.

18mm exterior-grade plywood (most common for shopfronts)

For most shopfront boarding in NW areas, 18mm exterior-grade plywood gives the best combination of strength and durability.

We use it because it:

• Holds fixings well and resists flexing on larger spans
• Performs better in wet conditions than basic internal boards
• Provides a more secure barrier against forced entry attempts

OSB (often suitable for smaller panels or lower-risk openings)

OSB (oriented strand board) can be appropriate for certain situations, especially where the opening is smaller or sheltered.

We’ll typically choose OSB when:

• The opening is limited in size
• The boarding is clearly short-term and risk is lower
• The fixing points allow a solid, rattle-free fit

Fixings: security-focused, not just “screwed on”

The difference between a proper commercial board-up and a quick patch is the fixing method.

Depending on the frame and access, we may use:

• Anti-tamper fixings to reduce the risk of removal from outside (important if you’re closed overnight)
• Through-bolting with spreader plates/battens where we need strength without ripping out weak surrounds
• Internal bracing when we can access from inside and want fewer external fixing points

We’ll always aim for a secure fit that won’t be easily prised away at street level.

Emergency shopfront boarding for retailers, offices, restaurants and more

North West London’s mix of high streets, parades, stations and retail parks means shopfront issues aren’t limited to “shops”.

We regularly secure:

• Convenience stores, off-licences, pharmacies
• Cafés and restaurants with large front glazing
• Offices with street-level reception glazing
• Salons, gyms and studios with full-height panels
• Empty units between tenants (common around busy parades)

If your unit is vacant or you’re managing multiple properties, also see vacant property boarding for longer-term security options.

Options beyond plywood: when you need stronger medium-term security

Sometimes boarding alone isn’t the right end point — especially after repeat incidents, or where the property must be secured for weeks rather than days.

Temporary steel doors (for damaged entrances or forced doors)

If the main entrance door is compromised, a temporary steel door can provide a lockable, robust solution while repairs are arranged. This can be particularly helpful for:

• Forced rear access doors or staff entrances
• Vacant units where you need controlled access for contractors
• Premises that can’t be left with a boarded doorway

Talk to us about what’s realistic on your site when you call. If you also need doors secured, see door boarding.

Security screens (for voids and repeated attacks)

For higher-risk or longer-term voids, steel security screens (Sitex-style) can be a better fit than repeatedly replacing boards. We’ll be honest if your situation calls for something more robust.

What to do right now if your shopfront window is smashed

If you’re reading this from your premises, these steps help keep everyone safe and protect your claim:

1. If there’s a crime in progress, call 999. If it’s after the event, report it and keep your crime reference number.
2. Don’t try to clear large shards onto the pavement unless it’s safe and you have proper PPE.
3. Take a few quick photos of the damage (inside and outside) if safe — especially the frame, lock area, and any tools/impact points.
4. Move stock away from the frontage and consider temporary internal barriers.
5. Call us to secure the opening.
   Call 020 4634 7794

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the practical documentation insurers typically ask for.

How pricing works for shopfront boarding in North West London

We don’t publish one-size-fits-all pricing for shopfronts because costs depend on the reality on site. The main factors are:

• Size and number of openings (single pane vs full frontage)
• Access (shutters, recessed entrances, height, obstructions)
• Material choice (plywood vs OSB, thickness)
• Fixing method required (anti-tamper, through-bolting, internal bracing)
• Whether doors also need securing

For a clear explanation of what affects cost, see pricing. If you need a quote, call and we’ll ask a few practical questions first.

Why businesses choose us for shopfront boarding (without the hard sell)

When you’re dealing with a break-in or damage at a trading premises, you want calm, competent help.

• Local coverage across NW1–NW26 — see areas we cover
• DBS-checked technicians and public liability insurance
• Practical, trade-appropriate methods (materials and fixings chosen for commercial openings)
• Clear paperwork: photos where requested, and itemised invoices for your records/insurer

If you’re comparing options or want to understand the basics, our guide on what is boarding up may help.

Related services you may need alongside shopfront boarding

Shopfront incidents often affect more than just one pane of glass. You may also need:

• window boarding in North West London for side windows and upper glazing
• door boarding if entry doors are damaged or forced
• roof boarding if the incident involved overhead glazing or a skylight
• Help after specific events such as storm damage or flood damage

FAQs: Shopfront boarding in North West London

How quickly can you board up a smashed shopfront?

We prioritise urgent situations, especially when the premises can’t be secured or is in a busy public-facing spot. We can’t guarantee fixed arrival times because traffic, access and prior emergencies vary — but if you call, we’ll tell you what’s realistic and keep communication clear.

If it’s out of hours, start here: emergency boarding up.

Will boarding damage my shopfront frame?

We aim to secure openings using the least disruptive method that’s still safe. Where frames are sound, we’ll use appropriate fixings and spacing to avoid unnecessary damage. If the frame is already split, loose, or too weak for standard fixing, we’ll explain options before we proceed.

Can you board up aluminium-framed shopfronts?

Yes — aluminium-framed shopfronts are common across North West London. The approach depends on the specific system and what fixing points are available. In some cases, internal bracing or through-bolting provides a stronger and safer result than relying on external screws alone.

Is shopfront boarding covered by insurance?

Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage or impact — but policies vary. We’ll provide an invoice and work description, and can take photos if helpful. More guidance is on our insurance claims page.

Do you replace the glass as well?

Our role is to secure the premises. Glazing replacement is typically handled by a glazier. If you already have one arranged, we can coordinate access once the site is safe and stable.

Helpful Links

• emergency boarding up
• window boarding in North West London
• door boarding
• insurance claims support
• pricing
• areas we cover

Get shopfront boarding help in North West London

If your shopfront has been smashed, forced, or left exposed, we’ll help you secure it and get control of the situation.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 7794 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-north-west-london.co.uk